Forever in My Heart (Chapter 2)

When her parents left the next morning, Soleil felt suddenly lonely.

For the first time, she was all alone and away from home. I won't cry...I won't cry...I'm a big girl now.

The house was too quiet for someone like her who was used to living with five sisters and four brothers in their crowded home. Here, only the two house maids and a gardener were around, since Tita Gilda had her jewelry shop to run and came home only for dinner. Tito Luis was a Major in the Army who was assigned in Luzon. Their only child, Frederick was taking an art/sketching course for summer and usually went home for lunch.

Too quiet.

Here, 'Langga, these are for you. Dong Freddy said they are good for your kidneys.”

Manang Pepay came in, carrying a tray of handpicked grapes and a tall glass of fresh buko juice.

Hmmm, is this some kind of a peace offering? she was tempted to ask, but civility got the better of her.

Thank you, Manang Pepay. You're so kind and sweet,” she said.

Ay, don't thank me. I'm just following orders here,” Manang Pepay answered.

She slept through the whole afternoon. Her lower back still gave her numbing pains despite the horde of pills the doctors prescribed.

It looks like we just bought the whole pharmacy!” her Daddy remarked when he saw the whole thing. Soleil felt somehow guilty, fully aware that her parents had to mortgage a piece of their property to finance this trip. So, she better get well soon for all it's worth.

At last, Sleeping Beauty wakes up. I was afraid I'd be forced to kiss you if you won't be up by six o' clock.” Freddy was standing by her door when she opened it.

Here, blue and yellow pills to be taken before dinner,” he handed her the medicines.

Thank you, but you need not go all the way trying to be nice if you don’t like it,” Soleil quipped.

Well, since we seem to be stuck with each other this summer, I figured we might just as well be friends. Deal? " He smiled and extended his right hand for a shake.

As long as you stop calling me a baby,” she warned.

They shook hands and went to the dining table to eat. Neither of them knew things would soon get complicated after that.

In the morning, Soleil got up very early. Manang Pepay was already in the kitchen, humming “Matud Nila” while preparing breakfast.

Oy, why are you up so early? Go on back to bed, 'Langga,” she urged her. “In your condition you should have all the rest you can get.”

Don't worry, Manang Pepay. I'm feeling much better now. Really!”

Soleil eagerly reached for a slice of crisp bacon, but the plump lady snatched it even before she could open her mouth.

This is not good for you - too much fat and salt.”

But the doctor said I should try to recover my health, Manang Pepay. And one sure way is to feed me what I like to eat, right?”

She grabbed the bacon back and rushed off to the door.

And where are you going now?” Manang Pepay called.

To the beach!” She mumbled through her stuffed mouth.

Maldita... Manang Pepay murmured and smiled in spite of herself.

The beach was deserted. The sun was just about to come up as Soleil sat and stretched her legs out in the white sand. It was so peaceful and quiet, she could hear nothing but the gentle, soothing splash of the sea. God, this place is so beautiful. She took out her Bible and started communing with her creator. It felt good to be well again.

She stayed there for a long time, forgetting about the time. She had always loved deserted beaches. When she was a child, she would run to the nearby riverbank and sulk there for hours when ever she felt bad or sore about things and people. The ripples of the water and the cool breeze would usually make her feel better.

Thank you for the perfect picture,” a voice said behind her.

Startled, Soleil turned and saw Freddy grinning at her with a sketch pad in his lap.

How do you know I'm here, and what picture are you talking about?"

This.” He showed her the sketch pad. “Perfect, no?”

He had sketched her while she was meditating. The charcoal painting he did captured her bowing her head in solemnity, with the Bible in her lap and her long hair being blown by the breeze. It was perfect, yeah. And she should be proud, to say the least. But why was she mad and so...defensive?

Didn't your teachers teach you not to sketch anybody without permission? This is an invasion of privacy.”

She stood up and shook the sand off her dress, avoiding his gaze all the while.

Goodness, I'm actually blushing! she thought. She felt flattered, mad, and embarrassed at the same time.

Ah, privacy, she says. Let's see...I was peacefully doing my work over there in my favorite nook when you came and blocked the view I was sketching. So, rather than telling you to move over, I decided to fold you in. Now, is that too bad?”

Finally, she looked up and met his eyes. I could stare into those big lambent eyes and be lost forever....stop! Silly, girl. Are you crazy?

How long have you been here?” she managed to say.

Long enough to watch and sketch you. Actually, I always come here to greet the sunrise. And I was trying to capture it this morning for my entry in our class art exhibit when you came. You were quite a sight, see. Can you blame me?”

He sounded apologetic. What is it in him that I can't resist?

Soleil was talking to herself again. “Even if I do, will it make a difference?” she asked.

No.” He grinned sheepishly. “But, if this piece makes it to the finals, I am going to take you out. Fair enough?”

You might regret it. I eat like a bear, you know,” she lightened up.

I'll be just happy to feed you, little cousin. Now, let's go back home and attack our late breakfast.” He held her elbow while they were walking.

How could anyone be so irritating, yet so gentle at the same time? Soleil was - again - talking to herself.

Little cousin, my foot. Well, at least, he didn't call me a baby.

(End of Chapter 2 of 20 chapters)